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Our list of the top ten best vehicles for urban driving is filled to the brim with vivacious little cars that were designed to be surprisingly useful and good around town while also incorporating appealing styling, distinctive color schemes, and generous levels of standard equipment. They are even capable of outperforming some of their larger supermini competitors in terms of how much fun they are to drive when the conditions are just right.
- Hyundai i10
- Suzuki Ignis
- Kia Picanto
- Volkswagen Up
- Skoda Citigo-e iV
- Toyota Aygo
- Seat Mii Electric
- Fiat Panda
- Fiat 500
- Dacia Sandero
Hyundai i10
The compact Hyundai i10 city car is gaining more and more customers. The first and second generations of this model were instrumental in the South Korean brand’s achievement of significant success in the United Kingdom, a trend that should only be reinforced by the introduction of this new generation.
The interior is now one of the most accommodating cars in its class, and the quality of the interior as well as the general attractiveness of the interior have both seen significant improvements. Additionally, the car’s exterior has been redesigned to be more aesthetically pleasing. It has a surprisingly well-equipped interior (not least of all with active safety equipment), and its 82-horsepower atmospheric four-cylinder engine (now a rarity in cars of this size) provides it with great drivability as well as useful real-world performance.
Even though it does not have the same star power as the versions of the Volkswagen Up GTI, it is still a well-rounded, intelligent, and well-equipped city car that ranks at the top of its class.
Suzuki Ignis
In this relatively competitive market, the Ignis stands out as a vivacious automobile that excels in terms of allure, value, size, versatility, and fuel efficiency. Given the current preferences of consumers, the fact that it seems more like a crossover than some of its contemporaries does not hurt it in any way.
It is well-designed, and, considering its size, it has a surprisingly large amount of space inside. If you don’t mind inexpensive cars looking and feeling a little cheap in places as long as they’re reasonably durable, you won’t mind that the interior is a little flimsy and low-rent in spots, and Suzuki’s touchscreen infotainment system leaves a lot to be desired. However, if you don’t mind, the infotainment system leaves plenty to be desired.
The car’s dynamics on the road aren’t nearly as sharp or as smooth as those of some of its rivals. The lively handling is a result of Suzuki’s innovative 12V mild-hybrid system, which provides additional torque exactly where an atmospheric engine requires it. Despite this, the ride can feel a little rough over larger bumps.
It is possible for the Ignis to be outfitted with Suzuki’s AllGrip all-wheel drive technology, which gives the vehicle the ability to travel further off-road than the majority of its rivals. When taken together with the rest of the car’s appeal, the end product is a package that is exceptionally compelling and unique in its own right.
Kia Picanto
Since it was first introduced to the market, the Kia Picanto, much like its close relative the Hyundai i10, has experienced tremendous growth.
The new automobile not only has an improved exterior design in comparison to its forerunners, but it also has an improved level of standard equipment and a superior level of interior finish. It even performs admirably in terms of ride and handling, with the Picanto being able to handle the roads of the United Kingdom better than some other vehicles.
The 1.0-liter engine that it has only produces 66 horsepower, and the 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine that was previously available has since been discontinued. On the other hand, the car’s 1.0-liter turbocharged three-pot engine is a trump card that not even the related Hyundai is able to play at the top of the engine range. In point of fact, the only things that set the Picanto apart from the i10 are its looks, its features, and its engine; the trunk of the Kia is also a little bit smaller than the one in the Hyundai. The Kia is the best option to consider if you like what you see of it.
Volkswagen Up
The Volkswagen Up might be the tiniest vehicle in the lineup, but it has all of the hallmarks of the Volkswagen brand even though it’s the smallest model. Despite not being the most innovative vehicle in its class, the Up outperforms its closest competitors in terms of finish and overall attractiveness.
However, as a result of recent rationalizations made to our engine lineup, it is no longer the best choice we offer in this market segment. The slightly gutless 59-horsepower three-pot that we have always felt was the worst performer in the range is now the only combustion engine that is available. With the exception of the go-faster Up GTI, which is an entirely different kettle of fish, this is the only option available. This faster breed of city vehicle has a solid claim to becoming the segment’s driver’s choice, despite the fact that it is more expensive. Its turbocharged three-cylinder engine produces a punchy 113 horsepower, and its handling is appealing.
It is possible to purchase an all-electric version of the Up, just like its relatives, the Seat and the Skoda. However, despite the fact that the battery power of the tiny city car is a perfect match for it, the price tag of $24,000 makes it less accessible than you might think it would be.
Skoda Citigo-e iV
Due to Skoda’s exit from the United Kingdom market, the Volkswagen Group’s Citigo is no longer the most affordable of the three city cars produced by the Volkswagen Group. However, we have decided to include it because even examples that have been used before are still appealing, and the class is not exactly overflowing with different possibilities.
In the end, the smallest Skoda was only offered as an electric vehicle. It had a battery with a capacity of 36.8 kilowatt hours, which allowed it to travel up to 170 miles according to the previous WLTP test cycle. However, in mixed real-world driving conditions, it was only capable of traveling about 120 miles.
The Citigo-e iV would be an excellent candidate for electrification. The quick torque supplies sufficient power, and the smooth, forgiving ride makes it an ideal option for use in the city. However, when traveling at a rapid pace on roads with undulations, the additional mass becomes more noticeable.
If it weren’t for the significant price increase that came along with the Skoda’s electrification, the vehicle would be much closer to the top of this list. Even though it is the electric vehicle (EV) with the lowest “true” price on the market, the price will be the primary factor preventing people from purchasing one. However, because it is powered by an electric engine, this city car is not only well-made but also stylish, practical, and economical to operate. Very likeable.
Toyota Aygo
The Aygo underwent a mid-life redesign in 2018, which not only enhanced its already alluring appearance but also brought the level of standard equipment up to a higher level than it had been in the past.
The wick on the 1.0-liter three-pot motor found in the Aygo has also been raised to 71 horsepower from 68 horsepower. However, due to the layout of the engine, its 68 pound-feet of torque aren’t very accessible, which compromises the vehicle’s ability to be driven in everyday situations. In this manner, competitors who make use of turbocharged engines are favored. Despite this, revving it up whenever the mood strikes can be a lot of fun and should be done whenever possible.
Its appeal has been improved thanks to a spruced-up cabin, as well as an infotainment suite that is crisper and more responsive. Additionally, the car’s striking exterior design should continue to appeal to younger owners.
Seat Mii Electric
You have already read about the Skoda Citigo, and the Seat Mii follows the same narrative path as that vehicle. The Spanish version of the city car produced by the Volkswagen Group is no longer sold brand new, and in its final days, it was an electric vehicle only. It was powered by the same 36.8kW battery and 82bhp electric motor as the other electric vehicles in the lineup.
However, despite the fact that the Mii’s design is marginally more appealing than that of its Czech equivalent, it is not as simple to suggest that it should be purchased. In comparison to the Citigo maximum e, which has a range of 170 miles, Seat claims that its range can go up to a maximum of 160 miles.
Fiat Panda
In terms of its personality, the Panda differs greatly from the majority of its rivals. Instead of referring to it as a city car, Fiat refers to it as a “essential automobile,” which provides a hint about the car’s upbeat and uncomplicated nature.
Even though it is now in its third generation, the Panda may be considered “old in the tooth” in comparison to its younger, fitter, and more cost-effective competition; however, this does not prevent its endearing qualities from shining through. Although it has a less than adequate interior in terms of equipment, it is more long-lasting and practical than the vast majority of the vehicles on this list. In addition to that, you can get it as a mild hybrid or in a 4×4 configuration.
Fiat 500
It is quite remarkable that the redesigned Fiat 500 has now been on sale for three decades, especially when one considers the fact that it still appears to be brand new 15 years after it was first introduced. Alongside the existing mild-hybrid model, which is powered by a three-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 69 horsepower, Fiat has introduced an all-electric model in an effort to make it as appealing as is humanly possible.
The 500 is an excellent candidate for electric propulsion, and the bubble-shaped electric vehicle that results is a delight to both operate and own. There are electric vehicles on the market with greater power and range, but the Fiat 500 isn’t too far behind (117 horsepower and 199 miles of stated range), and it fulfills its primary function as a city car thanks to its compact dimensions and tight turning circle.
Dacia Sandero
It is reasonable to include the Dacia Sandero on this list despite the fact that it is not technically a city car because it is priced lower than the majority of the other vehicles on this list. The Sandero’s interior is roomier than what you’d find in a typical city car thanks to its wider footprint; however, the Sandero’s more affordable price tag comes at a cost.
Its cabin has an antique look and feel to it, the seating posture is a little off, and while it can get around corners, it does so with a lot of body roll. Additionally, the seating position is a little strange. However, it is responsive and efficient thanks to its 89 horsepower turbocharged three-cylinder engine.
The fact that the Sandero is one of the few new cars available in the UK that is covered by a factory warranty and has an LPG-fueled engine is an additional benefit for individuals who are looking for low-emissions transportation on a budget.
